Commodity Growers Cooperative helps farmers explore options
The Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative was formed in 1921 by a group of tobacco growers in order to address low and volatile prices for tobacco. In 1941, the same civic-minded tobacco growers established Commodity Growers Cooperative (CGC) to work with farmers in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and West Virginia. CGC was also designated to manage a program for hemp seed under federal contract. However, following this war-related production effort, the organization became dormant.
Then in 1993, the Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative reactivated Commodity Growers. These farmers realized that the face of tobacco in the area was changing and that farmers needed to explore some alternative crops to supplement their tobacco income. Pam Clay became the first director hired and formed buying clubs according to the CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) Model. Thus, vegetable production was explored. Following Pam Clay, Karen Armstrong-Cummings came on as director and was then succeeded by the current director, Rick Alexander. Each director, using his or her unique skills, worked with farmers in the area to improve their income in varied ways. …. read the rest in Business Lexington